Image forming apparatus providing user support in sleep mode

Abstract

An image forming apparatus that can support the user in sleep mode is provided. When the apparatus enters sleep mode, guidance information is displayed on an electronic paper. The electronic paper maintains displayed contents even when power is not supplied and, therefore, even when power is not supplied to a display panel in the sleep mode, the display for the user is continuously given, thereby supporting the user.

1. An image forming apparatus capable of making a transition to a sleep mode in which power consumption is limited, comprising:
 a first display unit displaying a state of the apparatus during the time of power conduction; 
 a second display unit maintaining displayed contents during the time of non-power-conduction; and 
 a first control circuit causing guidance information to be displayed on said second display unit, when there is a transition to said sleep mode; 
 wherein, 
 said first control circuit causes said second display unit to display a standard screen of the apparatus related to image formation, as said guidance information. 
 
     
     
       2. The image forming apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein
 said second display unit is a non-volatile display device. 
 
     
     
       3. The image forming apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein
 said second display unit also serves as said first display unit. 
 
     
     
       4. The image forming apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein
 said first control circuit causes said second display unit to display, as said guidance information, information representing transition procedure from said sleep mode to an operation mode. 
 
     
     
       5. The image forming apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein
 said first control circuit causes said second display unit to display, as said guidance information, reservation information of transmission data. 
 
     
     
       6. The image forming apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein
 said first control circuit causes said second display unit to display, as said guidance information, storage information of received data. 
 
     
     
       7. The image forming apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising
 a second control circuit causing said second display unit to display said displayed contents in enhanced manner to better appeal to the user. 
 
     
     
       8. The image forming apparatus according to any one of  claims 1  to  7 , further comprising
 a third control circuit causing said second display unit to continue display of said guidance information even after power consumption is resumed.